Studies

Summary Of Pilot Clinical Study Of a Patented Fibre Complex of Opuntia Ficus
Indica On Fat Binding

Purpose:
This clinical study was aimed at observing the effects of a patented fibre complex from
Opuntia ficus indica on fat binding. The patented complex has a fibre content that is on
average eleven times higher than generic extracts from the same plant.
Ten healthy volunteers (5 women and 5 men with a Body Mass Index of 23.3 kg/m2; standard
deviations 3.1) participated in a mono-centric double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.
Methods:
The test participants were randomly divided into two groups, one receiving the test material
(patented fibre complex of Opuntia ficus indica) and one receiving placebo. All the volunteers
consumed 1.6g of test material per meal; during one week and placebo during the same time
with a washout period between these two test periods.
A strict, standardised meal diet was observed by the volunteers to ensure a standardised intake
of lipids. The effect of the product dose in intestinal absorption was evaluated by measuring
steatorrhea in 3-day-old faeces, at the end of the two 7-day product consumption periods.
Results:
The quantity of fat content excreted compared to the quantity ingested increased on average
by 27.4% in-group volunteers with the dose of test material compared with the placebo. No side
effects or particular discomfort were observed with the dose of test material.
The results indicate the patented fibre complex from Opuntia ficus indica affects the
assimilation of fat following a heavy meal and causes an increase in elimination of fat in faeces
in subjects having a normal BMI (Body Mass Index).
Conclusion:
These results suggest effectiveness for an application of the patented fibre complex from
Opuntia ficus indica within the framework of meals rich in fat content.